MS Spitsbergen preview is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. Hurtigruten has a long history of traveling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the 'Sports Route'.
After a complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel's fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea. She is modern and environmentally progressive and will undergo further improvements that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters.
Premium expedition comfort
MS Spitsbergen has her own onboard Expedition Team which serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures inside the ship as well as out on the sun deck make cruising with her an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the waters in which we sail. The Expedition Team hosts a lecture programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck, you can participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of 'friluftsliv' (outdoor life), and encourage you take part in 'friluftsliv' hikes and activities throughout the cruise.
MS Spitsbergen was launched in 2009
The gross tonnage is 7344
The width of MS Spitsbergen is 18 meters
The maximum speed of the ship is 14 knots per hour
The length of MS Spitsbergen is 100 meters
The currency taken on MS Spitsbergen is NOK
MS Spitsbergen has 80 cabin crew members
The ship has 3 decks
MS Spitsbergen has 180 cabins on board
It also has 2 wheelchair cabins on board
MS Spitsbergen’s main restaurant serves three meals a day from generous breakfast buffets, casual lunches, to beautifully plated dinners that spotlight regional dishes.
A casual venue new since 2025 serving snacks and light meals between restaurant hours. Perfect for when you've worked up an appetite in between landings.
The onboard Expedition Team is composed of the Expedition Leader, the Assistant Expedition Leader, the Expedition Coordinator plus several lecturers and experts. Your Expedition Leader will regularly update you on the progress of the trip as well as the different points of interest and wildlife sightings that may occur. Biographies of the Expedition Team can be found on board. In the ships science center, you will be able to find information regarding the trip and book optional excursions and activities.
We offer a rich and varied programme of included and optional shore excursions run by third-party providers in many areas we sail to. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In some cases, the included excursion can be combined with other optional excursions in the port. Most excursions can be pre-booked, but may also be bookable onboard if capacity remains.
We advise that you book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment due to the excursion being fully booked. Please note that registration is binding, and once on board the Expedition Team will advise you of booking deadlines for excursions still available. Our excursions have English-speaking guides unless otherwise indicated and other languages cannot be guaranteed unless specified. Excursions are subject to change and possible cancellation due to weather conditions. They are also dependent on the number of participants.
In addition, the Expedition Team also arrange a variety of activities during the cruise. These will depend on location and season but may include hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. These activities are booked on board and subject to availability.
The Science & Education program brings together like-minded individuals
Covering over 3/4 of the planet's surface, our oceans are vital in supporting human life on earth and are also home to over 90% of all known wildlife. Despite it influencing everything from our weather to transportation and yes, expedition cruises, very little is known about our blue planet.
This is where HX Expeditions and our fleet of small, state-of-the-art Expedition ships come in. We can reach, explore and collect vital scientific data on some of the planet’s most remote regions. From understanding whale migrations and phytoplankton communities to cloud observations and the Northern Lights, our onboard Science & Education Teams - with the help of you, our guests - captures, analyses, and reports invaluable data to organisations and research projects around the world.
Located on Deck 3
The ship’s experienced lecturers command an in-depth knowledge of the areas in which we sail. They will conduct, on a regular basis, lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the voyage. The lecturing schedule will be announced every day in the on board daily program.
This relaxed space is where the day’s stories gather. With sweeping views and a warm atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for sharing discoveries, attending briefings, or simply watching the waves roll by.
Located on Deck 5
The ship has spacious outdoor areas. They are perfect vantage points to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
Located on Deck 5.
The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board.
Well-equipped and compact, the gym includes treadmills, bikes, weights — and even a ping pong table. Finish your workout with a breath of fresh air on deck.
Perched high on the ship, the sauna offers not just heat but horizon. The ultimate way to warm up and wind down after a day in the elements.
Two open-air hot tubs, each with space for five, offer a soothing way to soak in the scenery. Ideal for easing tired muscles or simply watching the world roll by.
Our most economical option, Polar Inside cabins on MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen offer a simple, easy base for your expedition. These windowless cabins include en-suite bathrooms and soft beds, making them ideal for travellers who like to spend most of their time out on deck or in the ship’s shared spaces, focusing on the journey, not the square footage.
Our most economical option, Polar Inside cabins on MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen offer a simple, easy base for your expedition. These windowless cabins include en-suite bathrooms and soft beds, making them ideal for travellers who like to spend most of their time out on deck or in the ship’s shared spaces, focusing on the journey, not the square footage.
Our most economical option, Polar Inside cabins on MS Fram and MS Spitsbergen offer a simple, easy base for your expedition. These windowless cabins include en-suite bathrooms and soft beds, making them ideal for travellers who like to spend most of their time out on deck or in the ship’s shared spaces, focusing on the journey, not the square footage.
With either a window or porthole, Polar Outside cabins connect you to the shifting world beyond — from drifting sea ice to seabirds wheeling overhead. Thoughtfully laid out, they feature en-suite bathrooms, smart storage solutions, and all the essentials for a night’s sleep. Ideal for travellers who value views and practicality, without the excess.
With either a window or porthole, Polar Outside cabins connect you to the shifting world beyond — from drifting sea ice to seabirds wheeling overhead. Thoughtfully laid out, they feature en-suite bathrooms, smart storage solutions, and all the essentials for a night’s sleep. Ideal for travellers who value views and practicality, without the excess.
With either a window or porthole, Polar Outside cabins connect you to the shifting world beyond — from drifting sea ice to seabirds wheeling overhead. Thoughtfully laid out, they feature en-suite bathrooms, smart storage solutions, and all the essentials for a night’s sleep. Ideal for travellers who value views and practicality, without the excess.
Relaxed and refined, our Arctic Superior cabins offer a warm welcome after a day spent exploring. Expect modern furnishings, tea and coffee-making facilities, and large windows that frame the scenery. Flexible sleeping arrangements for certain cabins and practical features make these a popular choice for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
Upper-deck cabin
Relaxed and refined, our Arctic Superior cabins offer a warm welcome after a day spent exploring. Expect modern furnishings, tea and coffee-making facilities, and large windows that frame the scenery. Flexible sleeping arrangements for certain cabins and practical features make these a popular choice for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
Upper-deck cabin
The pinnacle of comfort at sea, our Expedition Suites are designed for those who want more space to unwind — and more views to savour. Expansive windows and private balconies (some with hot tubs) immerse you in the passing landscape. Inside, you’ll find a seating area, premium bedding, a Nespresso machine, and even binoculars for wildlife spotting. A thoughtful balance of luxury and exploration.
The pinnacle of comfort at sea, our Expedition Suites are designed for those who want more space to unwind — and more views to savour. Expansive windows and private balconies (some with hot tubs) immerse you in the passing landscape. Inside, you’ll find a seating area, premium bedding, a Nespresso machine, and even binoculars for wildlife spotting. A thoughtful balance of luxury and exploration.
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